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When it’s time to replace broken or cracked silicone caulk lines, removing the old seal is important to get the best adhesion and coverage. To simply remove the caulk, heat it with a hair dryer, slice the edges with a utility knife, and remove it with needlenose pliers or a putty knife. Wipe the surface with mineral spirits and you’ve got most of the residue lifted up. For more tips and tricks on how to remove all of the silicone caulking from a shower, tub, wall, or any other surface, keep reading!
Things You Should Know
- Use a hair dryer or commercial caulk remover to soften the silicone so it’s easier to scrape off.
- Slice along the edges of the caulk with a utility knife. Pull the caulk out with needlenose pliers or scrape it out with a putty knife.
- Soak the residual silicone caulk with mineral spirits before scrubbing it clean with a stiff-bristled brush.
Steps
Soften the caulk with a hair dryer or commercial remover. If you’re using a hair dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting and place the nozzle directly in front of the caulk line.[1] Heat an 8–10 in (20–25 cm) section of caulk at a time for about 30-40 seconds so it’s more soft and flexible.[2] If you’re using a caulk remover, spray it directly onto the caulk’s surface and let it sit for the amount of time listed on the packaging.[3]- In a pinch, try using distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or WD-40 as a makeshift caulk softener. Allow the silicone to soak for at least 15 minutes to soften it.
- Caulk removers may not be suitable for all surfaces. If you use a caulk remover, check the packaging to make sure it’s compatible with the material you’re applying it to.
Slice through the edges of the caulk with a utility knife. Poke the blade through the edge of the caulk, being careful not to scratch the material on either side.[4] Slowly slice along the caulk line with the blade. Once you cut through one edge of the caulk line, slice along the other edge to loosen the piece even more.[5]- Try to keep the blade as close to the wall or surface as possible so you remove the most caulk.
- Alternatively, you may slice into the caulk with a specialty caulk removal tool specifically made to fit easily into corners.[6]
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Pull large pieces of caulk off with needlenose pliers. Pinch one end of the caulk bead with your pliers. Then, slowly peel the caulk back to lift it up in one solid piece. Throw the old caulk pieces in your trash to get rid of them.[7]- Avoid tugging or twisting the caulk as it comes up so it doesn’t break into smaller chunks.
Scrape off cracked or broken caulk with a putty knife. Hold the putty knife at an angle so you don’t scratch or damage the surface underneath.[8] Wedge the blade of the knife under the caulk. Push the putty knife along the surface using short strokes to lift up the remaining pieces. It should then come away without difficulty.[9]
Soak the remaining caulk residue in rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and wet the corner of a rag or sponge with the solvent you’re using. Gently wipe over the surface with the damp rag to lift up some of the silicone residue. Let the mineral spirits or alcohol sit for about 5 minutes to soften any stubborn pieces.[10]- Mineral spirits and rubbing alcohol create fumes that can cause eye and lung irritation. Keep the room well-ventilated by opening a window or running a fan to stop the fumes from building up.
Scrub the residue off with a damp stiff-bristled brush. Use a cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to get into the tight spaces and break apart the loose silicone. Wipe the bristles off on a paper towel and continue scrubbing until you clean up the residue as best as you can. If the residue is being extra stubborn, scrub it off with a putty knife instead.[11]- If you're still having trouble breaking up stuck-on residue, try covering the residue with rags soaked in rubbing alcohol and leaving them overnight. Then, scrub them off with a brush or putty knife.[12]
Clean and dry the surface before applying new caulk. After you remove all of the caulk, clean up any soap scum by wiping the surfaces with a solution that’s equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.[13] If you notice dark spots of mold, dilute 1 part bleach in 3 parts water and scrub the area clean to prevent the mold from coming back. Let the area dry completely so any new silicone sealant you apply adheres well.[14]- If you’re in a rush to apply new caulk, point a fan or hair dryer at the surface to speed up the drying time.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat is the easiest way to remove caulking?
Eric ShipeEric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.
Home Improvement SpecialistTry using a caulk removal tool. This type of tool is handy, as it works with latex, acrylic, and silicone caulk. - QuestionHow do you remove old caulk from shower?Eric ShipeEric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.
Home Improvement SpecialistUse a hairdryer and a straight razor. Set your hairdryer to a low setting to melt the caulk. Then, scrape it off with a straight razor blade. Just make sure that the silicone caulk isn't between pieces of plastic, or it will cause damage.
Tips
- If you're worried about causing damage by removing silicone caulk, hire a qualified sealant specialist to do it for you.Thanks
Warnings
- Keep a window open or a fan running while using cleaning products like mineral spirits or bleach to prevent harmful fumes from building up.Thanks
Things You’ll Need
- Hair dryer or caulk remover
- Utility knife
- Needlenose pliers
- Putty knife
- Mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol
- Rubber gloves
- Stiff-bristled brush
- Putty knife
- Bleach
- Toothbrush
References
- ↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Ry8E-BQxW14?t=50
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/cleaning/guides/how-to-remove-silicone-caulk/
- ↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
- ↑ https://siliconedepot.com/blog/how-to-clean-caulk/
- ↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
- ↑ https://todayshomeowner.com/cleaning/guides/how-to-remove-silicone-caulk/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/summary-tools-and-methods-caulk-removal
- ↑ https://youtu.be/uoAqrPZi_SM?t=56
About This Article
To remove silicon caulking, first turn on a hairdryer to the lowest setting, and place the nozzle against the caulk for 30 to 40 seconds. Once the caulk appears softer, score it every 2 inches with a utility knife or razor. Then, peel each section of caulk back with pliers to remove it. If some tough parts refuse to budge, wet the blade of your knife with some water and push it along the area in short strokes. Before you apply new caulk, remember to rinse and dry the area so the fresh sealant can stick properly. For tips on how to remove silicon caulk residue, read on!
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